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ULU NEWS What’s hot for the 2014 Arctic Winter Games
Here come the Games! Page 3
Raavee gets ready to soar Page 6
PUBLISHED BY
PHOTO COURTESY GREG MARTIN
A history of the Games Page 12
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Table of contents From the president ............................................... 2 Here come the games ....................................... 3 Raavee takes flight ................................................ 6 Volunteers are a driving force ....................... 9 The Games on social media ......................... 10 A history of the Games .................................. 12 A cauldron becomes an art legacy ......... 13 Gameswear Fridays .......................................... 14 Alaska brands supporting Fairbanks ........ 14 Father, son share love of the Games ...... 18 By the numbers: The Games add up ...... 19 Content provided by Fairbanks 2014 Arctic Winter Games Host Society P.O. Box 71370, Fairbanks, AK 99707 Office: 330 Barnette St., Fairbanks, Alaska Telephone: (907) 456-2014, Fax: (907) 456-2044 On the web: awg2014.org Printed by the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner 200 N. Cushman St., Fairbanks, Alaska.
A letter from the president Hosting the Arctic Winter Games begins with the community assessing if there is enough capacity to host the world’s largest circumpolar sport and cultural event; capacity in terms of venues to host the 20 sporting events, a location for the Athletes Village to house and feed 2000 athletes, transportation infrastructure to move thousands of athletes, coaching staff, family members and spectators, and thousands of volunteers to operate the games, not to mention the financial capacity to fund the games. For Fairbanks, this assessment began in the spring of 2010, when Borough Mayor Luke Hopkins and the Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau sent a small exploratory team to attend the 2010 Arctic Winter Games in Grand Prairie, Alberta Canada. Upon their return, an organizing bid committee was formed and a formal letter was sent to Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell, declaring Fairbanks’ intention to bid the hosting of the Games in 2014. During the next seven months, prior to the site selection visit by the Arctic Winter Games International Committee in 2011, a 152 page bid document was prepared and submitted. When AWGIC President Gerry Thick returned to Fairbanks in February, the Fairbanks community’s interest, excitement, preparation and commitment to host the 2014 Games was evident and sealed the deal; Fairbanks was selected to host the 2014 Games! Subsequently after selection, the nonprofit Fairbanks 2014 Arctic Winter Games Host Society was incorporated to accept the responsibility to successfully host the Games in 2014. Since Spring 2011, the Host Society, comprised solely of volunteers, hired a general manager and a handful of staff to help raise funds, secure state funding, recruit needed volunteers, engage the community and meet every milestone required by the Arctic Winter Games International Committee guidelines and requirements. Incredible partnerships have been formed, beginning with Gov. Sean Parnell, Lt. Gov. Treadwell and the Legislature, to secure required state funding to host the Games on behalf of the state. One Alaska community is selected to host the Games every 10 years. Fairbanks has had the privilege and honor to have previously hosted the Games in 1982 and 1988. The Fairbanks North Star Borough, city of Fairbanks and city of North Pole have been strong partners since the beginning, providing financial and in-kind support to not only bid for the Games but also to support the Host Society as the organization developed. The Games could not be hosted without the partnership with Fairbanks North Star Borough School District. In addition to using school facilities for housing and sporting events, the school district has promoted the Games through special events and curriculum activities. Other major community partners include the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce. The 2014 Games will also be the first in its 44 year history to provide matching scholarships to one athlete from each of the nine geographic contingents within the 140 colleges and universities in the University of the Arctic consortium. When we look back after the Games conclude in Fairbanks, there will be many tangible legacy projects to remind us that we were the host of the Games in 2014. But one of the most lasting and important legacies for the community is now available to everyone; that is, to be a part of history by volunteering for the Games, donating to the Games, purchasing Games merchandise and clothing, attending pre-game community events and most of all, attending the Games. Get your game on, Fairbanks! — Jeff Jacobson, Fairbanks 2014 Arctic Winter Games Host Society President Chatter about the Games is all over social media, including Facebook and Twitter. IMAGE COURTESY 2014 ARCTIC WINTER GAMES
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Here come the Games! Volunteers, donations are our winning strategies enous athletes from the northern regions of the Scandinavian countries (Sweden, Finland and The 2014 Arctic Winter Norway). Yamal is a subject Games Host Society is steadily — similar to a state or province gaining volunteers and close to — in the Russian Federation. reaching its budget goals. Registration for volunteering The international biencan be done online at the AWG nial celebration of circumpolar website (www.awg2014.org). sports and culture is scheduled “We have had so many people for March 15-22, 2014, in Fairinterested in volunteering with banks. the Games, the goal now is to The Host Society is seeking get all of those people registered a total of 2,500 volunteers, as in our online system, a requirethere are scheduled to be 2,000 ment to volunteer during the athletes in 20 sports and cultur- Games,” said Ashley Johnston, al events during the Games. volunteer manager. The AWG features nine conThe host society, Solie said, tingents — Team Alaska; Team wants to have 2,500 volunteers Greenland; Team Sapmi; Team in place by the end of 2013 so it Yamal; and Team Alberta North, can conduct training for them in Team Yukon, Team Nunavut, January and February. Team Nunavik-Quebec and The host society, as of Oct. 10, Team Northwest Territories of is less than $200,000 short of Canada. its budget goal of $1.2 million. Team Sapmi consists of indig- There were meetings recently
By Danny Martin
DMARTIN@NEWSMINER.COM
ESPN X Games. “It (the mobile app) also allows us to promote our results live on our website and on our mobile app as well. So we’re pretty proud of that,’’ she said. The AWG International Committee and the chefs de mission, or executive directors, for the nine delegations were in Fair— Cherie Solie, AWG sponsorship manager banks on Oct. 17-18 for meetings. with Fairbanks-area businesses the plate and done a good job of Topics, such as athletes and supporting the Games.” to help obtain the goal. coaches, participant transporThe AWG’s host society also “We’re hoping to capture those tation and housing, to athletic businesses which have the abili- is working with a mobile applivenues were among issues disty to donate $2,500 to $10,000,’’ cations developer to create a cussed during the meetings. Cherie Solie, AWG sponsorship mobile app for athletes and There also was an evening spectators to get information manager, said. gathering at Pioneer Park on on their mobile devices about Solie said the host society is events and schedules during the Oct. 17 for the international confident of reaching the goal. committee and the chefs de misGames. “We’re just really grateful CrowdTorch has worked with sion. to the outpouring of support, Contact sports editor Danny Martin major sporting events across whether in-kind or by cash,’’ at 459-7586 or follow him on Twitter: the United States, including she said. “The Fairbanks community has really stepped up to the Kentucky Derby and the @newsminersports.
“
We’re just really grateful to the outpouring of support, whether in-kind or by cash. The Fairbanks community has really stepped up to the plate and done a good job of supporting the Games.”
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Ravin’ about the Games By Scott McCrea
Look out Nanook and Smokey Bear. There’s a new mascot in town, and he’s already taken flight. Raavee (pronounced RAH-vee) the raven is the official mascot for the 2014 Arctic Winter Games. And with the event less than six months away, he has already been flying his way around town, helping generate excitement for the Games. Raavee’s flight pattern has taken him beyond his home in Fairbanks. Back in April of this year, plush Raavee dolls were sent to more than 100 communities across the global north, representing areas that participants for the 2014 Games will be hailing from. Like a real raven, Raavee’s “task” was to scavenge tidbits from the various participating communities for use in a display and slide show during the Games. Along with the Raavee dolls, the communities received letters asking them to email a picture of Raavee in a place-significant location, as well as mailing a souvenir such as a trinket or toy that best represents the community. Ever the busy bird, Raavee also has an important job of helping get children interested in the Games. A coloring page for children tells Raavee’s story, with the message centered around encouraging children to discover their talents and follow their dreams. Raavee’s next stop is Anchorage where he will attend the ConocoPhillips employee Halloween party on Oct. 31. “I love to soar high, dive low, and even play catch while flying! I finally discovered my talent. I know that you can too if you have great spirit and follow your northern dreams,” Raavee states on the page. In addition, Raavee is the driving force behind a campaign called Raavee’s Locker. Raavee’s Locker is an online gift registry to help raise funds to purchase sports equipment needed for the Games. Equipment is needed in all of the 20 sports of the Games, with items ranging from shuttles for badminton to straw for dog mushing. Participating in Raavee’s Locker requires a $25 minimum purchase, and those who spend $50 or more will receive an exclusive Raavee’s Locker pin. All donors will be recognized on Raavee’s Locker at the Games headquarters before and during the Games. Equipment will be donated to local sports organizations and/or the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District at the conclusion of the Games.
Online: Information about Raavee’s Locker is online at http://awg2014.org/raavees-locker
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Volunteers for the Games take their places at the Carlson Center representing visiting contingents. PHOTO COURTESY 2014 ARCTIC WINTER GAMES
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Volunteers: The driving force behind AWG’s success By Scott McCrea
Volunteers make up an important part of the Games. There are more than 300 events needing 2,500 volunteers to ensure the Games go off without a hitch. To sign up to volunteer, visit www.awg2014.org. PHOTO COURTESY 2014 ARCTIC WINTER GAMES
The Games will bring thousands of people to Fairbanks—athletes, coaches, family members and spectators—and volunteers get the opportunity to meet and work with them, an experience that they will always remember. PHOTO COURTESY 2014 ARCTIC WINTER GAMES
What’s in a number? In the case of the 2014 Arctic Winter Games 2014, the number is 2,500. And in that number are how many volunteers that are needed to make the games successful. “Volunteers truly are the heart of the Arctic Winter Games,” said Ashley Johnston, AWG volunteer manager. “They make it all happen, and they make it extraordinary. Without their time, talents and enthusiasm, we wouldn’t be able to bring this exciting event to Fairbanks.” Volunteers are needed in a number of capacities, both leading up to and during the Games. Tasks range from scorekeeping to security, transportation to ticketing, photography to physical therapy, and from setting up beds to serving breakfast. The importance Arctic Winter Games has on volunteering was evident at an energetic volunteer rally on Sept. 13 at Lathrop High School presented by BP. World Cup medalist skier Holly Brooks was on hand at the event to rally the crowd and spoke to the importance of the cultural experience gained by interacting with the international attendees of the Games. The Games will bring thousands of people to Fairbanks—athletes, coaches, family members and spectators—and volunteers get the opportunity to meet and work with them, an experience that they will always remember. “The games are about much more than just sports,” Johnston said. “They are about sharing cultures, representing our community, experiencing something new, and being a part of something that connects people from across the most remote parts of the northern world.” Johnston pointed out that volunteers from the 1982 and 1988 games in Fairbanks still rave about their experience. “People who volunteer for the 2014 Games are getting a chance to be involved in something that Fairbanks won’t likely see again for another 20 or more years,” she said. In addition, volunteers who commit to at least 12 hours during the Games receive a commemorative volunteer pin, an exclusive volunteer uniform to include a jacket and a shirt, and an invitation to attend the post-games volunteer recognition party. People can sign up individually to volunteer, or can do so as part of a large group. In either case, AWG will work with people to find what is the best area to volunteer for, based upon a person’s interests and skill level.
Want to be a volunteer? • You must be at least 15 years of age by Jan. 31, 2014. • You are asked to commit to a minimum of 12 hours during the Games. • Volunteers 18 years or older must complete a free background check. • Volunteer applications are available online at http://awg2014.org/ volunteer. • For more information, contact Ashley Johnston at ajohnston@awg2014. org or 456-2014.
Volunteering, by the numbers • Number of volunteers needed: 2,500 • Number of events needing volunteers: More than 300 • Number of venues needing volunteers: 30 • Number of volunteer hours needed: 30,000 • Number of shifts: 7,000
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Thank you, AWG Volunteers.
The Games on social media Stay connected with the Fairbanks 2014 Arctic Winter Games by liking, following or watching us on social media and using #awg2014 everywhere on the social web. Download the AWG 2014 mobile app for your mobile device (iPhone and Android) available late December 2013/early January 2014. Stay posted on our social media for news and updates about all things AWG!
AWG 2014 Social Media Facebook: www.facebook.com/AWG2014 Twitter: @awg2014 Instagram: @awg2014 YouTube Channel: arcticwintergames14 Flickr: awg_2014 Hash tag: #awg2014 Visitors to the Winter Games in Summer event at Pioneer Park get a taste of what the 2014 Games are all about.
The Games wouldn’t be the same without you.
PHOTO COURTESY 2014 ARCTIC
Want to get in the game? Sign up to become a volunteer at awg2014.org.
Sponsored by BP
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Athletes go for the gold.
We’ll take care of the green.
Fort Knox is proud to promote recycling and waste reduction at the 2014 Arctic Winter Games in Fairbanks. By engaging and empowering athletes and spectators, we can help foster sustainable decisions that safeguard the environment throughout our region.
kinross.com
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A history of the Arctic Winter Games By Danny Martin
The Arctic Winter Games that took place in Fairbanks in 1982 and 1988 seemed simpler in scope compared to what’s expected for the 2014 event in the Golden Heart City. The athletes, competitions and contingents were fewer — particularly in 1982 — than the anticipated 2,000 athletes and nine contingents for the 2014 Games. “I’ve seen a lot of time pass in the Arctic Winter Games and I’ve seen the games grow, develop and change,’’ said Wendell Shiffler, vice president of the AWG International Committee. “In 1988, the Games here didn’t have nearly the number of kids you have now, and the representation in the Games is not anything like it is now,’’ said Shiffler, who was an AWG volunteer in 1982 and 1988. His daughter, Stefanie, then 14, was a cross-country skier for Team Alaska in 1988. Nine circumpolar contingents are scheduled to be involved in the 2014 AWG — Alaska, Greenland, Yamal, Sapmi, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Alberta North, Nunavik Quebec and Nunavut. The 1982 AWG featured about 1,000 athletes from three contingents: Alaska, Yukon and Northwest Territories. The opening ceremonies took place at Alaskaland (now Pioneer Park) and were televised locally. Hundreds of Interior residents turned out for the ceremonies, which featured skydivers, a fireworks display and Olympic shooting medalist Lones Wigger administering the AWG oath to Michael Green of Tok and Beth McConkey of Fairbanks on behalf of the athletes. Wigger won a gold medal for small-bore rifle in the 1964 Summer Games in Tokyo and earned the gold in free rifle in 1972 in Munich. The 1982 Games included two events that are no longer contested — judo and shooting. Athletes also were housed at Fort Wainwright. But those Games didn’t have a few events that will be in the 2014 Games, such as snowboarding, speedskating and snowshoeing. The 1988 Games featured nearly 1,000 athletes in 17 events — just three fewer than the total scheduled for 2014 — and the opening ceremonies took place at the Big Dipper Ice Arena. There were four contingents — the same three from 1982 and the addition of Alberta North. The opening day of the Games in 1988 was greeted by unseasonably warm weather. Among the concerns about the weather was the effect it would have on the ice at the speedskating oval at Kiwanis Field behind the Big Dipper. But the temperatures cooled early that week and speedskating and other outdoor events that rely on winter weather went on as planned. There also were no age limitations in the 1988 Games. There were open male and female divisions for adults in certain events, and hockey included a men’s senior division. Participants in the 2014 Games are scheduled to range from ages 13 to 20. Team Alaska earned an AWG-high 178 ulus in 1988, including a games-best 66 gold. Danny Martin is the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner sports editor.
PHOTO BY ARCHBOULD PHOTOGRAPHY
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A cauldron and a legacy of art dron will be lit with flames as well as LED lights. While Fairbanks found itself with a the initial purpose for the new piece of art on Oct. 4 out- cauldron is for the Games, as side of the Carlson Center — a a Legacy piece celebrating the permanent 2014 Arctic Winter Arctic Winter Games in FairGames Legacy Cauldron. banks, the Cauldron can be Groundbreaking took place used for other celebrations as July 1 for the nearly 26-foot tall well, such as graduations and weathered steel and gas torch. sporting events. The cauldron is being built in Kent Karns, board president partnership with the Tanana of the Tanana Valley Youth Valley Youth Sports FoundaSports Foundation, said when tion, Arctic Star donors and announcing the partnership the generous donations of time that “this cauldron celebrates and supplies from local design, youth sports at the Games and engineering and construction will continue to inspire our firms in Fairbanks. young athletes well into the The Arctic Stars are a spefuture.” cial group of supporters who The design team behind are passionate and committhe cauldron includes Bettisted to providing life-changing worth North (architects and experiences for young people planners), Castner Consultin the circumpolar north ing (structural engineering), through athletic competition Design Alaska (mechanical, and cultural exchange during electrical), PDC Inc. Engineers the 2014 Arctic Winter Games (civil engineering), Shannon by making a financial gift of and Wilson, Inc. (geotechnical $2,014. Names of the Arctic engineering) and Marshall Arts Stars are engraved on a comDesign (conceptual design). memorative plaque on the Partners are Fairbanks cauldron. Natural Gas, GHEMM ComDuring the Games, the caul- pany, Fullford Electric, Paving
By Mercedes Anderson
Community members break ground on the home of the 2014 Arctic Winter Games Legacy Cauldron, which will be on permanent display in front of the Carlson Center. PHOTO COURTESY 2014 ARCTIC WINTER GAMES
Products, Universal Welding & Fabrication, Great Northwest, Patrick Mechanical, TESCO,
Fairbanks Block Co. and Skip- it the website http://awg2014. org/sponsors/become-an-arcpy, Inc. To become an Arctic Star, vis- tic-star
Thank you to the following 2014 Arctic Stars Alaska Peace Officers Association Linda Anderson & Steve Frank Bill, Meadow, Ella & Symone Bailey — “Life is good” Margaret & Larry Bennett Aisha, Jon, Andrew & Ashlyn Bray The Britton Family Bill Michelle, Nikole, Chris, Brittany, Tyler, Logan & Kennedy Bunch In Memory of John & June Carlson — Carol, Edward & Corrine families Jeff & Sue Cook — Proud Sponsors of the 2014 Games Bill Cotton — AWG Coach & Pin Collector Sheena Cummings & Jason Roberts Bob Eley, former News-Miner Sports Editor Norma Haubenstock & John Estle Sue Evans & Paul Schneider Fairbanks Host Lions — Serving Fairbanks since 1944 Be your own guiding light to be triumphant. -CG. The Gitschel Family Kerry, Jennie, Kaiden, Avery & Landon Hafele Daryl & Karen Haggstrom Bob, Leslie, Nicholas, Alec & Connor Hajdukovich The Hale Family Hollis & Darleen Hall Steve & Jyotsna Heckman Dr. Christopher H. Henry
Pete & Lisa Herbert Deb Hickok & Izzy Hickok Robert & Sue Hull Garry & Diane Hutchison Craig & Linda Ingham Jeff, Aaron, Suzanne, David, Julia & Caitlin Jacobson Greg, Sue, Anna & Andrew Johnson Jeff & Debbie Johnson Matthew & Joane Johnson Kent, Brittany, Olivia, & Torgen Karns Cary S. Keller, MD Bill & Cheryl Kilgore Kougl Family Buddy, Karen, Brittany & Stephanie Lane Bart & Mary LeBon Lincoln Brothers — Bob & Chuck Denali & Patrick Lovely John Minder The Mongold, Sprouse, Berrios & Woods Families Moose Lodge 1392 — Serving Fairbanks since 1914 Mathew & Bonnie Mund Mary Ann Nickles In Memory of Sue Gregory — Dave & Debbie Norum John & Kathy Nussbaumer — 70, 76, 78, 80 Curling Holly Odegard & Joseph Saccone Karen Parr W. Lee Payne DDS, Linda, Brandon & Lauren
Memory of Barbara Van Horsen — Mike & Peggy Pollen Teri Spires & Mike Powers Tammy & Ed Randolph Rob & Karlene Richards John, Char, Sean & Justin Rodda William K. & June Rogers Brian Rogers & Sherry Modrow Mark & Mary Sanford Gary L. Sawdy DDS Mike, Evelyn, Megan & Hanna Sfraga Kelly, Lorna, & Rachel Shaw Wendell & Judy Shiffler, Stacia & Stefanie Shiffler Geri & Keel Simon — Enjoy the 2014 Games! Rick, Cherie, Lindsay, Sean & Laura Solie Dale & Mary Springer Robert & Jeanne Sundberg Phyllis & Murray Tate & daughter Pam Ferguson Steve & Kathleen Thompson To Honor the Athletes — Joanne Trefethen In Memory of Joe Tremarello The Weaver Family — Randy, Tammy, Alyssa, Jeremy Elizabeth Whisenhant Gary & Sue, Matt, Alii, Karen & Bob Wilken families Michael, Kristen, Erin & Janel Winters Join this special group of supporters by making a financial gift of $2,014 to the Fairbanks 2014 Arctic Winter Games
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Buy Arctic Winter Games gear at the official retail store at 330 Barnette St. in Fairbanks
Community support swells with Gameswear Fridays long-sleeved thermal shirts, sweatpants and yoga wear, and children’s T-shirts, Among the countless ways people in all in a variety of colors. Fairbanks can show their support for The clothing is available at the AWG the 2014 Arctic Winter Games is one retail store at 330 Barnette St., open that is literally quite simple as how they Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to get dressed in the morning. 5 p.m. With Gameswear Fridays, AWG orgaRelatado said that momentum for nizers are hoping to create excitement Gameswear Fridays has been picking and a sense of pride in the community up across the community and there by encouraging residents to wear AWG is a big push to get businesses to join gear every Friday between now and the the cause by promoting the campaign Games. among employees and “competing” “We hope that the Gameswear Friday against other businesses to see who can show the most spirit. To make it concampaign will be a catalyst in displaying our excitement for the Games,” said venient for businesses and employees, Camille Relatado, marketing and mer- Relatado said that they will take their merchandise for sale directly to the chandise manager for AWG. “We can business. count on the community’s consistently “We hope that the community and growing awareness about the 2014 our local businesses will embrace Games and hopefully use that to ignite the flame of excitement for what’s com- the campaign and wear their AWG gear every Friday from now until the ing in a little less than six months.” Games,” she said. “This is our Games, The merchandise available for purand our chance to show the circumpochase includes a wide variety of men’s lar world what kind of host Fairbanks and women’s clothing, featuring hoodies, jackets, vintage short-sleeved shirts, can be.”
By Scott McCrea
Be a part of the Arctic Winter Games! The Ulu News will be published daily during the Arctic Winter Games in March 2014. Catch all the AWG News, including stories about the athletes and all the events. Be a part of all the action . . . have your business participate by placing an advertisement to let fans and visitors know about your products and services. Contact the News-Miner for information. advertising@newsminer.com
459-1548 THE VOICE OF INTERIOR ALASKA SINCE 1903
Alaska brands support Fairbanks during 2014 Arctic Winter games By Hannah Blankenship
More than 2,000 athletes and coaches won’t be skating, skiing and snowshoeing into Fairbanks for the Arctic Winter Games until March 2014, but a passionate community of volunteers, fans, officials and sponsors are working hard to prepare for their arrival. With several thousand guests and spectators estimated to attend March 15-22, the Games provide an excellent opportunity for many Alaska brands to support the Fairbanks community while displaying support of youth sports and culture across town at more than 28 indoor and outdoor venues. Sponsorship manager Cherie Solie has worked with more than 60 organizations to help them support youth sports in Fairbanks and other Interior Alaska communities. “Sponsorship of the Games is a great way for Alaska organizations to get involved with an international event that provides life-changing experiences for youth in the circumpolar north,” Solie said. “Additionally, this is a unique opportunity to market not only to Alaskans but also to our visitors and other businesses.” Organizations can sponsor specific sports, with packages ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. Several sporting events are still in need of sponsors. “The sport-specific sponsorships can show an organization’s affinity for a particular athletic event, from figure skating to table tennis to dog mushing,” Solie said. Sponsors for each sport will have the opportunity to brand the sport’s venues and the sport’s web page at www.awg2014.org. Additionally, the 2014 Games, for the first time in AWG history, will launch a mobile app in early December to will give sponsors increased exposure before and during the games. Other opportunities are also available for branding and are determined on an individual basis, Solie said. “Often the organizations I’m working with have a better idea of how to market themselves, so we have absolutely been flexible when working with our sponsors,” she said. Opportunities for brands to get involved are not limited to cash donations, either. “In-kind donations are another important way organizations are helping to make the Games a reality for Fairbanks,” Solie said. Several Alaska household brands have already scooped up most of the
Several Alaska household brands have already scooped up most of the six largest sponsorships, including the opening and closing ceremonies (ConocoPhillips and GCI), the Arctic and Dene Games (Shell) and the AWG Volunteer Program (BP). Sponsors are still needed to provide about 2,000 sleeping bags for athletes and to support Raavee the Raven, the official mascot, during the games. six largest sponsorships, including the opening and closing ceremonies (ConocoPhillips and GCI), the Arctic and Dene Games (Shell) and the AWG Volunteer Program (BP). “We continue to search for two Alaska brands to present our Athlete Engagement Program and to co-present our cultural program with Pogo Mine,” Solie said. Companies may also choose to provide specific targeted marketing opportunities for other important parts of the games, ranging from $5,000 up to $50,000. Solie said many organizations are choosing to support causes that align with their brand’s products and services. “For example, Tanana Valley Clinic is sponsoring our health fair, and GCI is our official media sponsor,” Solie said. A company may also choose to sponsor opportunities that align with its values, such as Kinross Fort Knox’s sponsorship of the AWG Environmental Services, which support a “green” Games, complete with branded recycle receptacles at all venues. Sponsors are still needed to provide about 2,000 sleeping bags for athletes and to support Raavee the Raven, the official mascot, during the Games. Individuals or organizations wanting to help support the 2014 Arctic Winter Games can contact Cherie Solie at 456-2014 or sponsor@awg2014.org.
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The 2014 Arctic Winter Games will bring more than 2,000 athletes from northern and arctic regions to Fairbanks.
Pogo Mine is privileged, as the 2014 Arctic Winter Games’ cultural sponsor, to support improved social and cultural awareness among our peoples. Pogo believes that being a good northern neighbor means developing Mworld. INING DONE RIGHT stronger relationships and community ties across our region of the MINING DONE RIGHT
The Fairbanks North Star Borough is proud to be a part of the 2014 Arctic Winter Games. The Borough thanks the sponsors and volunteers and welcomes the athletes, coaches and spectators .
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Father and son share love of AWG By Libbie Martin
Brian Walker Jr. resisted his father’s challenge to participate in the Arctic Winter Games Male Dene Team for years. He just wasn’t interested. Brian Walker Sr. has been a participant and coach since 1990. “I helped get the Dene games started,” he said. “I was an athlete and coach for a number of years.” He also helped write the rule book. It was a great experience competing on an international level, he said, and he wanted his children to follow in his footsteps. “I got to know other people from around the world, and it is so much fun,” he said. The benefits of the Games, he believes, are life-changing and lifelong. Meeting people from different countries face to face is so much more of a learning experience than just reading about them.
Brian Walker Jr., left, got involved with the Games because of his father, Brian Walker Sr., who has been a participant and coach since 1990. PHOTO BY ARCHBOULD PHOTOGRAPHY So when the younger Walker was about 13, his dad started the pitch. He showed pictures of the events and spoke about the benefits of participating. More importantly, he told stories to
bring the games and people he’d met to life. But his son resisted — until finally, in 2010, he broke down and joined the Dene team. “It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had,” the now-
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19-year-old said. “It changed my life. It’s what I wait for every two years.” There’s something about the international aspect of the event that is unifying, he said. “It opened my eyes to so many different sports and events.” It also helped him connect more to his culture. “Before the AWG, we didn’t have much of a relationship [with other Natives from other countries]. Now we’re lifelong friends.” Once he convinced his son to participate, the elder Walker taught his boy the games and watched him, “a little nervous,” compete at the World EskimoIndian Olympics. “Dad knew what he was doing,” the son said. “He told me what would happen and who I would meet. He took me under his wing.” Being the son of the coach wasn’t a major advantage, either, he concedes.
“I wouldn’t say I had an advantage,” he said. “Except that he showed me the ropes.” In between events, the father might pull the son aside and give him some techniques he could use. “But he doesn’t care if I win or lose; he’s supportive of me.” His father agrees. “I always told him, ‘Just do the best you can.’” And he expected his son to show leadership and sportsmanship, the same expectations he had for all of his team. “We see it as everyone working together to do our best, so we coach each other,” he said. That means helping competitors as well as teammates. That expands into real life, he said. “It helps kids care for each other, to learn we’re all in this together,” he said. “That’s the best thing about the games. Brian Walker Sr. retired after WALKER » 19
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By the numbers: How the Games add up 1 mascot, Raavee
400 sponsors and donors
4 social media platforms fans can connect on, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram
$950 estimated average spending per guest
8 days the 2014 Arctic Winter Games lasts: March 15-22 9 contingents including Alaska, Alberta North, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik Quebec, Greenland, Sapmi, Yamal and the Yukon 13-20 participating athletes’ age range 20 sports 30 number of venues in which the Games will be played 55 number of volunteer committees created for the Games 56 number of Gameswear Fridays
1982 the first year the Games were held in Fairbanks 1988 last year the Games were held in Fairbanks 2,000 participants and coaches 2006 last year the Games were held in Alaska, in Kenai 2011 year Fairbanks was awarded the 2014 Games 2,500 volunteers needed to make the Games possible 3,000 friends & families that will attend the Games $13,500,000 estimated economic activity the Games will bring to Fairbanks
only representing Alaska, you’re representing America. There’s a lot of pride.” Dene games include several events, Continued from 18 from which participants choose four: 20 years, but he’ll be in Fairbanks cheer- finger pull, snowsnake, stick pull, hand ing Team Alaska. His son will try out, but games, and pole push, and an all-round even if he doesn’t make the team, he’ll be event consisting of scores for the individual events. standing beside his father, cheering the There are four age/sex classes: open Dene Team and carrying on the family (no age limit) and junior men, and junior tradition. “It’s [such an] amazing thing to be part and juvenile women. Each age class fields of,” the elder Walker said. “It’s a great four athletes. There are two coaches (one honor to represent Alaska. You’re not for each gender).
WALKER
Raavee the raven, the mascot of the Games, is seen with two tiny visitors this summer while visiting Fairbanks. PHOTO COURTESY 2014 ARCTIC WINTER GAMES
20 ULU NEWS
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2013